One of the most enjoyable things that many of us have the opportunity to do is spend a day at the ballpark. It’s relaxing and exciting at the same time, and it’s a great way to have some fun.
When you think about spending time watching baseball, you can’t imagine that there would be anything bad associated with it. The worst thing that would likely happen is for your team to lose the game but even then, many enjoy the game.
Unfortunately, there was something that took place at a Pittsburgh Pirates game that turned things quickly from a relaxing afternoon to a tragic event. It took place when the Pittsburgh Pirates were playing the Chicago Cubs, and the unexpected happened.
20-year-old Kavan Markwood of McKeesport, Pennsylvania, was enjoying the game when he fell out of the stands in the right field and landed on the warning track. It was a 21-foot fall to the ground at the end of the seventh ending.
At the time, a go-ahead double was in the making by Andrew McCutcheon, a famous ballplayer who plays for the Pittsburgh Pirates. According to witnesses, Markwood removed his shirt and poured beer on himself to celebrate.
Unfortunately, he would also lose his balance and tumble over the 36-inch railing in section 142. The response was immediate by police, EMS, and team trainers. They were able to stabilize Markwood on a backboard and he was transported to Allegheny General Hospital.
At this time, authorities are confirming that the incident is being treated as an accident. Unfortunately, Markwood is still in critical condition at the hospital.
The wall where he fell is the 21-foot Clement wall. The wall was named after a Hall of Fame player, Roberto Clemente. The railing is above what safety requirements and the building code required.
Markwood graduated in 2022 from South Allegheny High School. He was also an athlete, playing linebacker at Walsh University and then transporting to Wheeling University. He would play in five games during the 2023 season at Wheeling.
He would also go on to earn honors in the Mountain East Conference Commissioners Honor Roll. It was easy to tell that he was a dedicated individual with a lot going for him.
The community in the greater South Allegheny area has rallied around him. This includes the athletic director, Mike Brown. He referred to Markwood as being ‘a standout athlete and a young man of character.’ That sentiment was echoed by East Allegheny coach Frank Cortazzo.
The Pirates organization has also felt the weight of the incident. According to a statement released by team chairman Bob Nutting, the event was ‘devastating’. He added: “It was one of the most difficult moments many of us have ever experienced… Our fans are part of our family, and we’re keeping Kavan and his loved ones in our hearts.”
